As is the case with all Moto smartphones, the G4 Plus runs on a near-stock version of Android, plus the usual suite of Moto enhancements which include Moto Display (for ambient notifications) and Moto Actions (for gesture actions)

Without any bloatware slowing it down, the G4 Plus is an all-round snappy performer, and performs well on benchmark tests (although a notch below the top performer in this price group - the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3)

Very good multi-tasking performance too with 3GB of RAM

The 16-megapixel camera sensor is accompanied by a dual-tone LED flash and a laser autofocus system, which is a substantial upgrade over earlier versions

On the whole, this is probably the best camera in this price range

The camera app too is significantly improved from earlier versions

Image quality for landscapes and macros in daylight is much better than before, with good level of detail and fairly accurate colours

Video recording quality is good in both daylight and low light

The front camera also manages some detailed selfies when the lighting is good

Another neat addition is the ability to directly read barcodes and QR codes from within the camera app

Very good fingerprint sensor (fast and accurate)

Good video playback - high bitrate, and Full HD videos are handled well

Single loudspeaker is loud enough for alerts and general media playback

Very good battery life - for moderate use cases, you can go nearly a day and half before having to charge the Moto G4 Plus

Supports TurboPower for fast charging of the battery

The Moto Series is known for timely Android updates, which is a big plus point

Sturdy, and well built

Premium all-metal design with aircraft-grade aluminum frame

World's thinnest phone at 5.19mm!

Cutting-edge, ambitious, but very well implemented modular/make-your-own-phone design is the defining factor here

The magnetic "mods" are practical and easy to use

Customization here isn't about what your phone looks like, it's about what it does!

Snap-on "Moto Mods" give your phone a meatier battery, turn it into a boombox for your weekend cookout or transform it into a video projector for an impromptu movie night! (The ecosystem of accessories is already good, and the company is lining up more partners)

Motorola's whole magnetic take on the modular ecosystem is simpler and more approachable than Google's intricate (and still developing) Project Ara, as well as easier to use than LG's G5

You can change Mods in seconds and won't have to power off the phone to do so

Simple, stock Android interface with some of Motorola's signature gesture features that add plenty of value

Smooth, effortless speed/performance

Camera is pretty good overall, though not mind-blowing

Good battery life - lasts the day with moderate use

Turbocharging support - takes only about 1 hour 10 minutes for a full recharge

Fast and accurate fingerprint sensor

Although the 'mods' are the primary draw for the phone, but even without considering the mods, the Moto Z is, on the whole, a powerful, stylish phone with a lot to offer

Editor's Note [Negatives]

One feature that's missing from earlier versions of Moto G is the water and dust resistance

Bundled earphones are average

No NFC support

Tends to heat up when put under stress (during heavy gaming, and extended camera use)

No magnetometer/compass

The missing standard (3.5mm) headphone jack on the phone means that you won't be able to easily use your regular earphones with the phone (though compatible earphones come included in the box, as well as a USBC-3.5mm adapter)

The mods need to, of course, be purchased separately

Tends to get a little hot when dealing with heavy apps/games

Buy the Moto Z and a mod or two if you want to be part of the future today, but if you are looking for a more "standard" handset, the OnePlus 3 (better value) or Samsung Galaxy S7 (better camera) may be better choices